How to Shoot a Long Take

What makes this particular long shot from Children of Men special? A Matter of Film takes a look at this scene in the form of an analysis/video essay.

This video was made possible by our AWESOME PATRONS!
Special thanks to:
Daniel Chaput: Assistant Producer
Gustavo Schroeder: Assistant Producer
Melissa Alcaraz: Assistant Producer
Thomas Allen: Assistant Producer
We would also like to thank:
Pedro Gutiérrez
&
gsa
for their amazing support!

Recommended:
Children of Men - The Importance of Hope: youtu.be/8LvMcHGZLxU
12 Best Long Takes in Film History:
youtu.be/oLFHdagIw6o

One of the most impressive shots directors like to use to show off is the Long Take, also called the Oner. The point is to do an entire scene in one shot or at least make it seem like one. But what separates the good ones from the great ones is when a oner is executed to serve the story, not in favor of just showing off. There are quite a few we could examine that are pretty good examples of the former, but today we’re gonna take a look at Children of Men’s famous oner. There are quite a few long takes in Alfonso Cuaron’s masterpiece, but this is the one that usually stands out the most. Because of very efficient directing, making every single frame count, this scene has reached Long Take immortality.

Special thanks to these guys for letting us use their awesome music:
The Wasteland by Ross Bugden: youtu.be/5eAalHA1bAc
Cassiopea by Damiano Baldoni: freemusicarchive.org/music/Damiano_Baldoni/Crys…

Be sure to subscribe to our channel!